April 16, 2025
By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia : The National Rehabilitation Commission of Ethiopia has announces that over 20,253 former combatants across four regional states—Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Afar—have been registered and are currently engaged in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs as part of the country’s broader peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
The announcement came during a national-level consultative meeting held yesterday in Bishoftu, which brought together stakeholders from various federal ministries, regional state representatives, and international partners to assess the progress of the DDR program, identify implementation challenges, and explore solutions moving forward.
According to the Commission, the ex-combatants have already gone through disarmament and demobilization phases, with many currently receiving reintegration and rehabilitation support. This includes psychosocial counseling, vocational training, civic education, and other reintegration services aimed at supporting their peaceful return to civilian life and contributing to long-term stability in post-conflict communities.
The DDR program is a key component of the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed in November 2022 between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which ended two years of armed conflict in northern Ethiopia. The agreement outlined the need for a structured and inclusive DDR process for all ex-combatants involved in the conflict, with support from international donors and agencies, including the United Nations.
While significant progress has been made in several regions, the Commission acknowledged that the DDR process in Tigray had faced delays due to what it described as “technical and political reasons.” The disarmament and reintegration activities were temporarily suspended in the region. However, during the recent consultative meeting, officials hinted that the program is expected to resume in Tigray within the coming days, although no specific start date was disclosed.
The Commission had previously held discussions in February with key stakeholders regarding the interruption of the Tigray DDR process. Participants had expressed concerns about the stalled efforts and emphasized the need for renewed momentum, especially as ex-combatants remain in limbo and vulnerable to re-mobilization or social alienation.
Ethiopia’s DDR program is seen as a cornerstone for sustainable peace and development in the post-conflict era. Reintegration of ex-combatants not only helps reduce the risk of renewed violence but also strengthens community resilience and cohesion. The program is part of a broader national rehabilitation framework aimed at addressing the underlying causes of conflict, promoting reconciliation, and fostering inclusive development.
The National Rehabilitation Commission reiterated its commitment to advancing the DDR process across all affected regions and called on all stakeholders—including regional governments, development partners, and community-based organizations—to intensify their support for the initiative.
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